Georgia Court Releases Transcripts From 2022 Grand Jury Investigation

Fulton County Superior Court unsealed 61 transcripts from a 2022 special purpose grand jury that had recommended racketeering charges. A protective order had kept the sworn testimony under seal for years. A former state official filed a motion to lift the protective order after the case was dismissed. The transcripts became public following that request.

A former U.S. senator testified that the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation initially described evidence presented in May 2021 as compelling enough to warrant a full investigation. The materials included video evidence, cell phone records, testimony, and bank records.

The same witness stated that six months later the director told him the governor wanted him to explain why the agency would not investigate. The director reportedly said the decision reflected being a team player and following the governor's preference.

After 2021 Before April 2022 the Georgia Bureau of Investigation lacked independent original jurisdiction over election crimes. Its role was limited to assisting when requested by other state or local authorities. The General Assembly passed Senate Bill 441, signed on April 27, 2022, which gave the agency concurrent jurisdiction over certain election crime investigations and subpoena power with attorney general consent.

Lawmakers designed the measure to address backlogs and political hesitancy in such cases. The transcripts show the director's public letter from October 2021 stated the data was curious but did not meet probable-cause thresholds. The witness also noted the director received a judicial appointment shortly after the grand jury session.